Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

New Year's Eve Ball Drop

December 31st, 2023

Can’t be in Times Square for New Year’s Eve? No problem! Just head to downtown Ludington for the Lighted Ball Drop at midnight. 

It’s all part of Ludington’s Light Up the Lake New Year’s Eve event. Every year thousands of people gather in the heart of downtown Ludington on New Year’s Eve to witness the Ball Drop!

The fun starts early New Year’s Eve in downtown Ludington, so bring the entire family and plan to shop for bargains at area merchants and have a meal in one of our fantastic restaurants.

The event is hosted by WMOM Radio and is open-air (no tent) but the fireplace and heaters keep party goers warm. Beverage offerings include seltzer, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks.

The main events are West Michigan’s Largest New Year’s Eve Ball Drop at midnight and the fireworks following the Ball Drop.

Jamesport Brewing Company
AJ's Party Port

Safe Rides Program

Each year, community businesses and individuals come together to sponsor free rides/tows for the public on New Year’s Eve to prevent drunk driving incidents. 

2023 Safe Rides Program Sponsors:

  • Ludington Police Department
  • Scottville Police Department
  • Mason County Sheriff’s Department
  • Michigan State Police
  • Abrahamson’s Towing
  • Fiers Towing
  • Oceana Auto
  • Auto Ranch
  • Judy’s Lakeside Rides
  • Ludington Mass Transit Authority
  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving
  • Students Against Drunk Driving
  • WKLA Radio
  • WMOM Radio
  • Ludington Daily News
  • Downtown Ludington Board
  • Ludington Beverage
  • Jeanne Oakes

The following companies are offering free rides/tows on New Year’s Eve in 2023:

  • Abrahamson’s Towing: (231) 843-2990
  • Auto Ranch Towing: (231) 425-6206
  • Fiers Towing:  (231) 757-4479
  • Judy’s Rides:  (231) 233-7200
  • Ludington Mass Transit Authority:  (231) 845-6218
  • Oceana Auto:  (231) 843-6500
Ludington Taxi

Ludington Restaurants, Pubs & Retail Shops Will Be Open Late

On December 31st, numerous downtown businesses offer great sales and many of them stay open late at night. And some of Ludington’s favorite downtown restaurants have dinner specials for two. Whether you want to wander through our art galleries, browse our specialty stores, or enjoy food and drink at a local restaurant or pub, Ludington welcomes you to come in out of the weather! 

Join the New Year's Eve Fun!

It’s a one of a kind event…with evening activities beginning at 9pm at the North James Street Plaza in the heart of downtown Ludington. Be sure to check our Coupons Page for discounts and specials offered by Ludington area merchants, restaurants, and lodging facilities. Also follow the links below for business listings to help with planning!

Watch the Lighted Ball Drop at Midnight

The Ludington New Year’s Eve ball is six feet, five inches in diameter and is lit by 6,000 LED lights. It is the biggest ball in West Michigan. There are four different color lights which blink as it’s lowered.

Employees of GLC Metal Fabricators and Harsco were responsible for making the ball, and Tye Signs installed the lights. The ball is truly a community project and something Ludington is very proud of!

For more information on the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, please contact the event organizer:

Ludington Downtown Development Authority

231-845-6237

400 S. Harrison St., Ludington, MI  49431

downtownludington.org

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